The white-tailed eagle is the largest UK bird of prey. It has brown body plumage with a conspicuously pale head and neck which can be almost white in older birds, and the tail feathers of adults are white. In flight it has massive long, broad wings with 'fingered' ends. Its head protrudes and it has a short, wedge-shaped tail. It went extinct in the UK during the early 20th century, due to illegal killing, and the present population has been reintroduced.
Key ID Features
Very large, soaring on broad, flat wings.
Adults have short white tail, pale head and large, bright yellow bill.
Deeply fingered wings.
Overview
Scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla
Family: Hawks, vultures and eagles (Accipitridae)
Where to see them:
A rare breeding bird which was previously confined to the west coast of Scotland, though a reintroduction programme is taking place in east Scotland.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Fish and birds.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
